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Recalled Igarashi ready to help out 'pen

Recalled Igarashi ready to help out 'pen

NEW YORK -- When Ryota Igarashi was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo to work on regaining his early-season form, he purchased the MLB.TV package so that he could follow Mets games on his computer.

"I watch all the Mets' games," Igarashi said through an interpreter, "and I can see exactly what's going on here."

What he saw was the Mets' bullpen post a 6.85 ERA in August, most recently giving up six runs in the eighth inning of Wednesday's loss to the Rockies.

Igarashi, who was recalled Thursday after the Mets placed closer Francisco Rodriguez on the restricted list, believes he can help. In four August appearances with Buffalo, Igarashi struck out four batters, walked two and did not allow a run in 4 2/3 innings.

"The splitter's back," Igarashi said. "And also I realized when I went there that I had to develop another offspeed pitch. I worked on the curveball, and now it's in good form."

The Mets also announced Thursday that they have optioned right-handed reliever Sean Green, who was on a Minor League rehab assignment, to Buffalo. Green had been on the disabled list since April with a cracked rib.